Columbia rated one of the "worst places to raise a family"

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - Much to the surprise of many in the Capital City, Columbia has been named one of the "worst cities in the country to raise a family."

According to Best Life Magazine, Columbia was rated number six on the list which also includes Waco, Texas, at number five, Fayetteville, North Carolina, at number three and Clarksville, Tennessee, at number one. [Full list on msnbc.com]

The study took various factors into account, such as property expenses, school systems and number of pediatricians in a city.

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce wants the people from Best Life to come to Columbia to see it for themselves rather than rely on the numbers.

"My answer to them is to come to Columbia, spend a day walking our streets, talk to our citizens, see what they have to say about the quality of life here and raising families here," Grant Jackson from the Columbia Chamber of Commerce said.

WIS News 10 went down to EdVenture Thursday and asked some local parents what they thought about the ranking.

Rachel Hedley isn't here by choice since her husband is in the military, but her family likes it here.

"In fact, we're trying to get his assignment changed so we can stay here," Hedley said. "We've been here for 3 and a half years and we're looking to be here several more years."

Angelica Miller says that Columbia has so much to offer as far as family living.

"I think it's a great place to raise a child," Miller said. "It has so much to offer. I teach school here too so I know of many places here like the zoo and EdVenture."

Michelle Peter grew up in Columbia and thinks the weather is good.

"I think it's a wonderful place," Peter said. "I don't know why it would rank so low on the list."

Highway Patrol troopers say they are searching for a 2001– 2005 Silver Toyota Sequoia or 2004 – 2005 Toyota Tundra with damage to right front headlight assembly and missing right side mirror. (Source: SCHP)

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is asking for the community’s help in locating a vehicle that was involved in a fatal hit-and-run crash Monday night in Hopkins.